Site Search

Get Luxury News by Email

Live the Good Life

Categories more

Sections

Other

Catering an Upscale Event? 3 Key Things to Consider

Be the first to review this item!

#catering #cater #cateringevent #luxurylifestyle
Published
09/30/2021

The catering world comes with a wide variety of expectations and clientele. 

Most catering events will probably be on the casual end of the spectrum, with buffets and a few hors d’oeuvre rotations. 

Every once in a while, though, your client might request an event that's more involved, such as a high-profile wedding or awards ceremony. These events are especially tricky because they still require fast service on a large scale but also demand that the rules of fine dining apply. 

Ultimately, you'll need to make sure that your service is sophisticated and flawless. Read on for some tips on pulling off the smoothest of upscale events and building your reputation as a high-end caterer. 

1. Staffing

Unfortunately, the staffing levels that you can get away with at a more low-key event won't likely be sufficient in this scenario. 

Upscale events often come with attendees who expect to be left wanting for nothing from beginning to end. Even the slightest wait for a drink or hors d'oeuvre refill could leave them extremely unsatisfied. 

Although it will increase your overhead, you should strive to over-staff these kinds of events, just in case. A ratio of 1 server for every 3 to 5 guests is ideal for providing the best experience for the customers. 

Depending on the type of event, you might consider running background checks on the servers since you will likely need to hire more people than you can get to know personally in a short period. Plan ahead, though, and be sure to get the screening completed well in advance of the event. How long does a background check take? It depends on several factors. Reach out to a screening service and coordinate the details well beforehand so that you're not stressing about staffing levels at the last minute. 

2. Attendance 

You'll need to figure out what sort of attendance to expect. While there's never a surefire way to calculate how many people will show up, there are some ways to judge roughly. 

For upscale events, the attendance tends to be a little higher than average. 

Such events often come with hefty ticket prices or coveted invitations, so scoring a spot on the guest list is a huge deal. It means that fewer people blow these events off at the last minute than, say, your average Sweet Sixteen or company function. 

On top of considering these factors, have honest and prolonged communication with the party organizer. You might find that they intentionally over- or under-estimate the numbers, but with a bit of prodding, you can get a more accurate read to avoid food waste. 

3. Presentation

This one is simple. Upscale clients expect upscale aesthetics. 

Strategizing around the tone of the event and the type of attendees will help you bring your fine-dining A game and build a reputation for your business as capable of luxurious catering.

Consider the food and drink you are providing as a central feature of the event, not just a necessity on the side, and adjust the presentation as such. 

On the micro-level of plating food and garnishing cocktails, as well as on the macro-level of placing refreshment stations, the layout and decor surrounding your services is key to defining the event as a luxurious occasion. 

Conclusion

Catering upscale events isn't that different from casual affairs in that they all require attention to detail, communication skills, and an impulse for preparedness. However, you need to pay attention to staffing verification, attendance flow, and presentation and layout. With all these critical elements in place, your luxury event is sure to be luxurious. 

Comments